The Moonstone Girls
ADVENTURE BIOGRAPHICAL DRAMA FAMILY YOUNG ADULT LGBT ROMANCE
1960s & '70s,Contemporary
Brooke Skipstone
TaleFlick Pick!
Submision Type
book
Logline
In 1968, a seventeen-year-old queer girl traveled to Alaska disguised as a boy. At that time, queer was a slur, not a proud identity. Tracy fights to protect her gay brother from her father and being drafted. She also fights against rigid women's roles, racism, and the Vietnam War.
Genre
Adventure,Biographical,Drama,Family,Young Adult,LGBT,Romance
Short Summary
In 1967, Tracy believes she should have been a boy. When both high school teens are caught with gay partners, their lives and futures are endangered by their homophobic father as their mother struggles to defend them. Eventually, Tracy dresses as a boy and leaves her parents in turmoil.
Setting
San Antonio, Tx Denali National Park, Alaska
Based on a True Story
No
Plot - Premise
Quest,Internal Journey/Rebirth,Overcoming Monster/Villain
Plot - Other Elements
Coming of Age,Meaningful Message
Mature Audience Themes
Nudity, Language/Profanity
Main Character Details
Name: Tracy Franks (later Tracy Moonstone)
Age: 17
Gender: Female
Role: Protagonist
Key Traits: Adventurous,Badass,Aggressive,Complex,Empathetic,Engaging,Educated,Leader,Sarcastic,Outspoken,Blunt,Masculine
Additional Character Details
Name: Spencer Franks (Tracy's brother)
Age: 18
Gender: Male
Role: Emotional
Key Traits: Underdog,Charming,Complex,Engaging,Educated,Insecure,Romantic,Skillful,Aspiring
Additional Character Details
Name: Arthur Franks (father)
Age: 44
Gender: Male
Role: antagonist
Key Traits: Confident,Decisive,Manipulative,Outspoken,Religious,Villainous,Masculine,Aggressive
Additional Character Details
Name: Moon Jacqueline Dust (known as Jackie - Tracy's lover and later wife)
Age: 18
Gender: Female
Role: sidekick
Key Traits: Adventurous,Complex,Empathetic,Engaging,Romantic,Skillful,Outspoken,Masculine,Unapologetic
Genre
LGBT, DRAMA
Brief
Tracy and her brother realize they are gay, much to the disappointment of there father. Tracy experiments with men’s clothing and meets a beautiful girl who she begins to form a relationship with. She decides to go to Alaska and falls for Jackie. They build a beautiful life together, having children and making music.
Overall Rating
GOOD
Narrative Elements
Authors Writing Style: GOOD
Characterization: GOOD
Commerciality: GOOD
Franchise Potential: FAIR
Pace: GOOD
Premise: GOOD
Structure: GOOD
Theme: GOOD
Accuracy of Book Profile
It is accurate.
Draw of Story
Tracy is a great character. She was bold and brave for her time. The fact that her and her brother were dealing with the same things was heartwarming because they had a supportive relationship.
Possible Drawbacks
Overall, the story is well written with a good pace and structure. It was informative and heartwarming. There was nothing outstanding that made me want to put the book down. There was a moment when Tracey plays down Look Who is Coming to Dinner compared to her struggles of openly dating. It would be important to not negate another group's struggles as lesser to your own.
Use of Special Effects
THE STORY DOES NOT RELY ON SPECIAL EFFECTS
Primary Hook of Story
The hook is that Tracy is trying to be her true self at a time when the world did not accept LGBTQAI people. She doesn’t accept the way the world is, but goes out to fulfill her life with love and happiness. I would watch this movie for the inspiring love story and heartwarming ending.
Fanbase Potential
This could have a large fanbase. LGBTQAI stories still do not draw in larger audiences, however. Many are not marketed to mainstream audiences. The story is well written and is inspiring and heartwarming.
Awards Potential
This doesn’t have awards potential. It is a heartwarming story but doesn’t present anything new or overly unique for a film. It will gain audience recognition over critical acclaim.
Envisioned Budget
MEDIUM BUDGET
Similar Films/TV Series
BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN, LOVING
What’s New About the Story
The core of this story is not very original. Essentially, it is a coming of age story about a young person finding her true self. This story deals with the LGBTQAI community and finding acceptance at a time when it was heavily frowned upon. It stands out because of the time it is set and the long lasting love story it explores.
Lead Characters
Tracy is courageous and determined. She stands up to her father and fights for her brother. She ventures out into the world, exploring, living and loving. She is a strong lead character that would be inspiring to audiences.
Uniqueness of Story
This is an above average story that serves representation and inspiration for the LGBTQAI community. It is full of life challenges, adventures, difficult moments and acts of forgiveness. It does have elements that set it apart from other coming of age stories, it stays true to the genre.
Possible Formats
Film: Studio, Indie, Streaming TV Series: Limited Run / Mini-Series
Analyst Recommendation
CONSIDER
Justification
This story is a consider because it is a feel good story that would be entertaining and embraced by audiences. It satisfies the call for more representation in the media focusing on the struggles of LGBTQAI people.